Elmer Richard Van Alstine's Obituary
Big Rapids - Elmer R. Van Alstine, 95, of Grant Center, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born September 6, 1926, in Grant Center, the son of Bud and Mary (Thumser) Van Alstine, and graduated from Hersey High School in 1945. Elmer served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany. And while stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC for basic training he married Maxine (nee VanWestrienen) on Feb. 8, 1951.
Following his discharge, Elmer returned to the area, and worked as a carpenter for several area builders for 25 years until retiring in 1977. He continued working on their farm for many years after, raising first dairy and then beef cattle. Elmer loved the farm, and more importantly his family and especially his grandchildren.
Elmer is survived by his wife Maxine; their children, Nancy (John) Holdsworth, Larry Van Alstine, Brian Van Alstine, and Shery (Mike) Rubicz all of Big Rapids; 14 grandchildren, Jeff (Tammy), Cheryl (Andy), Renee (Tim), Tim (Pam), Karen, Kevin, Maryann (Steve), Sally (Justin), Julie (Alex), William, Alexandria (Cody), Jacob, Jorden, and AnnEliza; sister-in-law Patricia Skipper; brothers-in-law, Paul Ottobre and Roger Dalstra; and many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bert, Lyle, Donald, and Raymond, and sisters Lois, Helen, and Marjorie.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Ken Dunn officiating. Burial will be in the Grant Center Cemetery. Elmer's family will greet friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for Grant Center United Methodist Church. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com
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